DSS frees and compensates man wrongly linked to Boko Haram

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released a Kaduna farmer, Nura Idris, after an internal review found no evidence linking him to Boko Haram insurgents, ending more than a year of detention over allegations that were later deemed unfounded.

According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the decision followed an investigation by a DSS review panel, which cleared Idris of any involvement with the terrorist group. The report said the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, ordered Idris’ immediate release and approved a N3 million compensation package to help him rebuild his life. The agency also pledged to support the farmer in restarting his business.

A security source quoted by the publication said Idris, a farmer and livestock rearer from Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was arrested in Suleja, Niger State, in June 2024 by another security agency over alleged links to terrorists before being transferred to DSS custody.

According to the source, a comprehensive review by the DSS investigation panel found no evidence to substantiate the allegations against him. Speaking after receiving the compensation, Idris expressed gratitude to the leadership of the agency. “I thank the DGSS for his kindness. I was well treated in DSS custody and I pray that Allah rewards the DGSS immensely,” he was quoted as saying.

His father, Yusuf Idris, also thanked the DSS Director-General for what he described as his compassion and generosity, saying the financial support would be put to good use.

A security source further disclosed that the DSS has a practice of providing assistance to individuals who were wrongfully detained, including psychological and medical care, before helping them establish businesses of their choice. “When such cases are recorded, the DSS would usually follow up with the detainee, provide psychological and medical support, after which the agency would further set up any business of the victim’s choice,” the source said.

The source added that Idris’ release forms part of an internal review exercise initiated by the DSS last year to reassess inherited cases and ensure innocent persons are not subjected to prolonged detention.

“The setting free and compensations across multiple cases underscores the DSS’s growing reputation for institutional integrity and humanness,” the source added. “The service under the current DG has continued to show that safeguarding national security and citizens must go hand in hand with upholding the rights and dignity of citizens.”